The Little Way: Reflections on the Joy of Smallness in God’s Infinite Love

Have we missed the essence of the gospel? Is there a simple but true way to serve God that can fill us with joy and peace slightly than fear and discouragement?

St. Thérèse of Lisieux faced similar struggles. As a young woman who desired to abandon herself to God, she felt daunted at the thought of climbing “the steep stairway of perfection.” Thérèse searched the Scriptures until she discovered a path to freedom she called her “little way.” This is “the way of spiritual childhood, the way of agree with and absolute give up.” This can be a recognition that while we are small and imperfect, we have a mighty God who reaches out to us with infinite love, grace, and strength to take care of all our needs.

As Thérèse followed this new path, she considered herself a “little flower” in Jesus’s garden. She understood that she was beloved by her heavenly Father and delightful in His eyes. And she could bloom right where He planted her as she daily demonstrated His unconditional love to others in small but meaningful acts of kindness and interceded on their behalf.

This beautiful book highlights St. Thérèse’s deep insights into faith and devotion, at the same time as visually capturing, through simple floral illustrations, the theme of simplicity that permeated her life. As you read excerpts from St. Thérèse’s autobiography, poetry, and letters—tracing such themes as “littleness,” God’s immense love for us, our devotion to God, loving others, prayer, humility, give up, sacrifice, agree with, and the joys of heaven—you’re going to learn how to rest in the loving arms of your heavenly Father, allowing your own faith to grow and flourish.